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Employment: University Subject to E-Verify

UIS colonnade You may already be aware that in June 2008, President Bush signed an amendment to Executive Order 12989, instructing federal agencies to required contractor participation in E-Verify. E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of employees, regardless of citizenship.

As a recipient of federal contracts, the University of Illinois is required to comply with the Executive Order as amended and the final rule. Originally, this final rule was to go into effect on January 15, 2009, but was delayed pending the outcome of a lawsuit challenging the new rule. On August 26, 2009, a federal judge granted a summary judgment that the federal contractor rule has been upheld. This ruling makes it possible for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement the federal contractor requirements as early as September 8, 2009. This increases the likelihood that the University will be subject to E-Verify shortly after September 8.

A University workgroup has been meeting regularly to determine the best implementation strategy for the University. The work group includes representation from a number of different campus and University-wide entities, including Human Resources, Access and Equal Opportunity, International Offices, Student Employment, University Counsel, OBFS – Grants and Contracts, OBFS – Purchasing, OBFS – Business and Finance, and the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Administration.

Further information on the E-Verify requirement will be communicated once the implementation strategy has been finalized; however, we are continuing to require I-9 completion in the Office of Human Resources or in Student Employment. In addition, E-Verify submissions, confirmations, and any occurrences of non-confirmations will also be handled by Human Resources and Student Employment. E-Verify and I-9 training will be scheduled for the campus later this fall. Please watch our campus announcements for more information.

The University of Illinois at Springfield is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer ensuring equal opportunities in programs, activities, and employment regardless of race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.